A router and modem are the heart of your home network, connecting all of the devices in your house to each other and to the Internet (if applicable). Traditionally, these two devices were separate, but new combination modem and router units merge their functions into one convenient device.

The first step in a router’s setup is to connect an Ethernet cable from the router to your computer or other device. This allows you to access the router’s configuration page through your browser. Most current and new routers have a built-in web dashboard with automatic setup features.

Once you’ve connected the ethernet cable, you’ll need to change your router’s IP address. This can be done in the browser’s address bar or with a web tool. Many routers come with a preset DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server, which automatically assigns IP addresses to devices in the network. If this isn’t the case, you’ll need to change it manually.

Next, you’ll need to log into your router’s admin website using the router’s IP address. Most routers, including those from D-Link, Netgear and others, have a default login username and password you can use to sign in. If you don’t know this information, you can ask your network administrator or ISP.

You’ll also need to change your router’s SSID (Service Set Identifier). This is a unique name that identifies the wireless network. Your computers and other connected devices will use this to find the wireless network. You can also change the channel that your router’s wireless access point is using, which can boost the wireless signal strength in weak areas.

Another common setting that you’ll want to make on your router is to change the default security settings. These options will allow you to control the network’s privacy and protect against cyberattacks. For example, you can disable logging and monitor the wireless traffic of all devices on your network or use a firewall to block certain websites and services.

Before you start modifying the router’s settings, it’s important to note that your changes will be lost if you disconnect from the network. If you’re on a shared network, it may be necessary to reboot your router in order for the changes to take effect.

If you haven’t already changed the network name and password, now is the time to do so. The default SSID and password are often easy to guess, so you’ll want to change them immediately. You can do this by logging into your router’s admin page through a web browser or by using a router’s built-in app.

The process of changing the SSID is pretty simple, and it’s a good idea to do this at least once a week to ensure that your network doesn’t get confused with other networks. Once you’ve made your changes, you can re-connect to your network and see the updates on your connected devices.

It’s a good idea to update your router’s firmware as soon as possible, because the latest version of the operating system can help fix bugs and provide added security protections. If you’re not sure how to do this, consult the manual or contact your router manufacturer for more information.